By Monday Ajegena
The Nasarawa State Government has mandated the residents of the state to vaccinate their dogs to guard against rabies to prevent the spread of the disease.
Dr Gaza Gwamna, Commissioner for Health made the call at a press conference to commemorate World Rabies Day on Friday in Lafia.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans.
It is transmitted through animal bites, licks from infected animals and contact with infected animal saliva or tissue.
The ministry, which commemorated the day in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, also marked World Heart Day, World Mental Health Day, and International Day for the Girl-Child.
He urged all dog owners who have not yet vaccinated their pets to do so immediately by visiting the veterinary centers in the state.
Gwamna highlighted that research shows the majority of rabies cases result from dog bites, making it essential to keep dogs confined and to vaccinate them regularly.
“The best way to prevent rabies in humans is by vaccinating dogs and cats at least once a year.
“Human rabies deaths are 100 percent preventable with prompt vaccination of dogs,” the commissioner said.
He further said that 289 dog bite cases were recorded in Nasararawa State from 2023-2024, out of which 12 of the dogs were discovered to have rabies.
“Five of the cases were in Nasarawa, three in Karu, two in Lafia, and one in Awe Local Government Areas, respectively,” he added.
The commissioner had also called on the residents to take care of their hearts to guard against sudden deaths.
He explained that heart-related illness was responsible for so many deaths in recent times.
The commissioner said that the media had reported many cases of the deaths of some prominent Nigerians recently who either collapsed and died or slept and could not wake up.
“It is important to jealously guide and take care of our heart to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.
He also advised people to take care of their mental health and urged relations to show love and care to friends and family members going through frustration and depression to prevent escalation.
He explained that because of the economic situation in the country, a lot of people are faced with one form of mental challenge or the other. (NAN).